Cycle Peru (Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley)

Travel to Peru and embark on a cycling adventure from the coast to the magical Sacred Valley. Kick things off on the streets of Lima, pedalling through fishermen’s and artists’ hangouts, clocking beautiful views of the Pacific coastline. Fly to Cusco and hit the single-track to explore a veritable treasure trove of Inca archaeological sites. Ride a mountain bike across the lush countryside of the Sacred Valley, a world of colourful Andean communities and phenomenal landscapes shaped by lost civilisations. Finish with a tour of mighty Machu Picchu, one of South America’s must-see drawcards.

Why we love this trip

Peru's spectacular mountains and valleys are a dream to explore on two wheels. This itinerary combines easy routes with more strenuous paths, allowing a nice mix of sightseeing and adventure

Begin with a two-wheeled Urban Adventure through the streets of Lima, stopping in artist enclaves and scenic lookouts

Discover the breadth of Peru's diverse heritage, from the gorgeous Spanish colonial architecture of Lima to the mother of all Inca cities, Machu Picchu

Tour Cusco both on bicycle and on foot. Check out the San Pedro market, the 12 Angled Stone, Chocolate Museum, and Inca sites such as Sacsayhuaman and Tambomachay

Spend three days exploring the Sacred Valley on a mountain bike, visiting the Huaypo lagoon and the iconic terraced Moray Agricultural Laboratory

Is this trip right for you?

This trip visits places that are at high altitude, and as a result some people can suffer from altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. Please see the ‘Health’ section of the trip notes for more important information on this.

While the cycling can be challenging at times, there's a hotel to retire to each night, giving you the chance to relax and unwind.

Note that full passport details are required at the time of booking the trip. Delays to provide this information may result in booking fees or changes to your itinerary.

Gallery

Itinerary

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Peru. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 2 pm on Day 1. You will find more information about this at the hotel reception. Straight after the meeting enjoy a walking tour of downtown Lima, including the city's historical centre. Flanked by streets of ornate colonial mansions, palaces and churches, Plaza Mayor is the best place to start any exploration of Lima. If you arrive early, a walk around Miraflores is recommended. Go from Central Park (Parque Kennedy) to LarcoMar via Larco Avenue. Alternatively, go to Parque del Amor (Love Park) for a nice view of Lima's beaches. Other options are a tour to Pachacamac (approximately 30 kilometres from downtown Lima), the Museo de la Nacion and the Gold Museum.

No included riding today

Accommodation

Hotel San Antonio Abad (1 night)

Meals Included

Set off on a bike tour of Lima this morning (approximately 3.5 hours). This covers various districts of the city, from fisherman's hangouts to the stomping ground of Lima's artists. Take in beautiful Pacific Ocean views from the coastline and marvellous city views from hilltops. Afterwards, fly to Cusco (approximately 1.5 hours). Spend a little time acclimatising to the high altitude (3,450 m) and then head out on an orientation walk with your leader: visit the facade of Coricancha temple, the local San Pedro market, the main square, past the 12 Angled Stone, Regocijo Square and San Blas Square. Finally visit the fascinating Chocolate museum. Enjoy free time in the evening.

Accommodation

Hotel Warari (1 night)

Meals Included

Check out the Cusco archaeological sites on a half-day bike tour (approximately 4 hours). Start with a private bus ride (approximately 15 minutes) to Tambomachay, the starting point for the ride. Start pedalling along singletrack, riding from site to site through the glorious Andean landscape. Inca sites visited include Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay. A snack will be provided along the way. The terrain is fine for all levels of ability.

Accommodation

Meals Included

Embark on a three-day mountain-bike adventure through the Sacred Valley. Today's ride (3–4 hours) takes you on the most scenic ride along the valley, with fun descents and only short climbs. Not too strenuous, it's the perfect way to acclimatise and to get used to your bike. Firstly head off on a private bus to Huacarpay Lake, the starting point for the ride. As you pedal along, admire beautiful views of the Urubamba River, not to mention traces of Inca heritage. The ride culminates in the enigmatic town of Pisaq, a village built at the base of an Inca fort on a mountain spur.

Special Information

Passengers to bring:
Suitable footwear, windproof/waterproof jacket, polypropoline (seasonal), sunscreen, sunglasses
Camera
Daypack for personal belongings
Hat or cap to protect from the sun, rain or cold
Non-disposable water canteen (fresh water for refills is provided)
Cash in soles and/or US$ (entry fees to archaeological sites, and meals (except lunch on Day 6), are not included)

Depart the hotel on your bike today. Connecting two of the Sacred Valley's most iconic towns, this ride will take the whole morning (3–4 hours). Its difficulty level is beginner–intermediate. It follows about 34 km of dirt road, the longest bike path in the Cusco area, travelling downstream and throughout the farming fields. Along the way, see Andean communities living their daily lives. Tonight's accommodation – bungalows set amid landscaped gardens with lovely views of the surrounding hills – is a real highlight.

Accommodation

Meals Included

Take a private bus at around 8:30 am to the Chinchero Plateu (approximately 30 minutes), the starting point for your ride. Today's route is of intermediate difficulty (approximately 4 hours). Set off firstly for Moray, stopping to spend some time there. Then pedal back down to the Sacred Valley, through to Ollantaytambo. The route follow the quaint townships of ancient communities and stunning Andean landscapes. This is one of the must-ride routes for mountain bike enthusiasts visiting Cusco. Today's highlights include the Huaypo Lagoon and the intriguing Moray Inca Agricultural Laboratory. A packed lunch is included today.

Accommodation

Meals Included

Leave the bike behind and take a bus up the winding road to Machu Picchu (approximately 30 minutes). This is your chance to decide for yourself whether Machu Picchu was built around 1440 as a country retreat for Incan nobility or is an ancient astronomical observatory. Enjoy a guided visit of the incredible site (1.5–2 hours) with plenty of free time afterwards to wander around the many temples, palaces and living quarters. After taking advantage of the seemingly endless photo opportunities, return to Cuzco for a well deserved shower and perhaps a Pisco sour. Take a train back to Ollantaytambo (approximately 90 minutes).

Note: Due to Intrepid's internal safety policy, our leaders are specifically prohibited from recommending or assisting with booking climbs of Wayna Picchu.

Next trip departures

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Important notes

PASSPORT DETAILS:
Domestic airlines require passengers' passport numbers to issue their tickets. It is then very important that you provide this information at the time of booking. Delays to provide this information may result in third party booking fees.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT:
A Single Supplement to have your own room is available on this trip.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.